ASCE vs. AFSC

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ASCE (Allspring SMID Core ETF) and AFSC (abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ASCE charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for AFSC.

Performance

ASCE vs. AFSC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASCE achieves a 22.25% return, which is significantly higher than AFSC's 16.58% return.

ASCE

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 5.38%
• YTD: 22.25%
• 6M: 21.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

AFSC

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 16.58%
• 6M: 13.48%
• 1Y: 27.01%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ASCE vs. AFSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	22.25%	8.61%
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	16.58%	5.01%

Correlation

The correlation between ASCE and AFSC is 0.88, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 9, 2025	0.88

Return for Risk

ASCE vs. AFSC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AFSC

AFSC Risk / Return Rank: 47
AFSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
AFSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
AFSC Omega Ratio Rank: 38
AFSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
AFSC Martin Ratio Rank: 57

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ASCE vs. AFSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Allspring SMID Core ETF (ASCE) and abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ASCE	AFSC	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.46	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.92	0.67	+1.25

Drawdowns

ASCE vs. AFSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASCE drawdown since its inception was -9.22%, smaller than the maximum AFSC drawdown of -21.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASCE and AFSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASCE	AFSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.22%	-21.68%	+12.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.38%	-1.79%	+1.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.10%	-4.15%	+2.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.72%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ASCE	AFSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.49%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.99%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.25%	18.59%	+0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.25%	22.57%	-3.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.25%	22.57%	-3.32%

ASCE vs. AFSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

ASCE has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than AFSC's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

ASCE vs. AFSC - Dividend Comparison

ASCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%, more than AFSC's 0.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
AFSC abrdn Focused U.S. Small Cap Active ETF	0.07%	0.08%
ASCE Allspring SMID Core ETF	0.18%	0.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASCE and AFSC in my portfolio?

ASCE and AFSC have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, ASCE or AFSC?

On fees, ASCE is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ASCE or AFSC?

ASCE is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for AFSC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ASCE or AFSC?

ASCE has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.07% for AFSC.

What is the main difference between ASCE and AFSC?

They also come from different issuers: Allspring and Aberdeen. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for ASCE and 0.65% for AFSC.